We're set to have another gorgeous weekend in London, which means you'll find us basking in the sunshine. A festival is taking over Alexandra Palace, while a nineties rooftop party is hitting Shoreditch. And there's always somewhere new to treat your tastebuds in the capital, starting with Smiths of Smithfield. Read on for things to do this week...
Dinner at the newly opened Smiths of Smithfield
MasterChef presenter and chef John Torode opened Smiths of Smithfield nearly twenty years ago, but the dining space has just been given a fresh lease of life by new owners Young's. For those who aren't familiar, the recently refurbished venue has four floors, and the higher you go up, the higher end the experience. For a more casual gathering, stay on the ground floor which has an all-day menu and TV screens for sports fans. There's a cocktail lounge on the first floor, followed by The Grill on the second floor. Reflecting the butchery heritage of its Farringdon location, the restaurant offers 28-day aged steaks, lamb chops, pork loin, duck leg and more - it's a meat-lover's dream, while also offering a good balance of seafood. For those feeling extra fancy, head up to the third floor where No.3 restaurant has a stunning vista over the dome of Smithfield Market and the City.
smithsofsmithfield.co.uk
Party with nuns at special Sister Act Bottomless Brunch
100 Wardour St is hosting the first ever Sister Act Bottomless Brunch! While enjoying a three-course brunch complete with all the Fizz you can drink, the event will follow Sister Mary Clarence and the nuns in the form of an incredible West End choir, all you need to sit back and enjoy (and clap along, of course)!
www.100wardourst.com
Let your hair down at Kaleidoscope Festival
Alexandra Palace is one of the best places to catch an unobstructed London, and it's known for hosting some epic events - like Kaleidoscope, that's happening this weekend. The Flaming Lips, Ghostpoet and Mystery Jets are some of the highlights from the music line-up, but there's a whole roster of theatrical performances, comedy shows, and DJ sets from Norman Jay MBE to get stuck into.
kaleidoscope-festival.com
A taste of summer at Aster
This is the perfect location for those enjoying a weekend at the West End. This Nordic-French restaurant and bar in Victoria has launched their new Crayfish & Absolut bar on Fridays. The stunning deli transforms into the crayfish bar with crayfish served in large copper ice buckets. You can also enjoy a Scandinavian Summer Brunch for £38 per person with copious amounts of crayfish and free-flowing Cotes de Provence rosé or bubbles.
aster-restaurant.com
Experience a little bit of Jamaica
Fancy switching things up? From now until the end of July, Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum and Patty & Bun have teamed up to create the Patty & Rum; the first grilled chicken burger to hit Patty & Bun menus, it will be served in a soft brioche bun, with a crispy Okra hash brown and coleslaw, and then in true collaborative style, steeped with a delicious Appleton Estate rum marinade. Available at restaurants across London and Brighton.
pattyandbun.co.uk
Go up at the O2 for a spectacular view of London
Kick off your weekend with something a little different by trying 'Up at The O2' - except this time, it's a bit more than your average climb. From 20 July to 31 August, it's 'Summer Lates' season, so every Friday evening will see the rooftop turned into a miniature festival - complete with live music, glitter face paint, mocktails, and a very exciting pick'n'mix stand. So grab a friend, climb up to the top, enjoy the incredible view from the clouds, and reward yourself with plenty of fruit pastilles...
tickets.aegeurope.com/upattheo2/climbs/summer-lates.html
Treat your tastebuds at Indian Accent
If you're after a blowout meal for a special occasion, look no further than Indian Accent. Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, this ultra-chic Indian restaurant has launched some very inventive summer dishes that are sure to thrill your tastebuds. Opt for the three or four-course menu, where highlights include potato sphere chaat, tiger prawns or the mathri trio to start, followed by ghee roast lamb or chicken malai tikka for mains. You can't leave without trying the makhan malai or the haji ali, inspired by the Mumbai landmark. If you really can't decide, the nine-course chef's tasting menu will solve all your culinary woes.
indianaccent.com
Spice up your life at the 90s Rooftop Party
Queen of Hoxton's rooftop is currently rocking a futuristic Las Vegas look (overgrown wedding chapel and Elvis impersonator included), but this weekend they're hosting the ultimate '90s throwback with a huge silent disco. Climb their graffiti-covered stairs and let loose to everything from Spice Up Your Life to Keep on Movin'. If you're wondering what to wear - fancy dress is highly encouraged (obviously).
designmynight.com/london/bars/shoreditch/queen-of-hoxton/saved-by-the-90s-rooftop-party?t=5b4df507fa8c6a25c5000203
Play crazy golf for a chance to win a trip to New York
Are you a crazy golf champion? Test your skills at Swingers City or Swingers West End for the chance to win a dream holiday to New York. The mini golf venues are holding an epic tournament, Swingers Open, with the heats taking place in both spaces. Simply choose your course, play and win! The victorious team will score a trip for four to New York, complete with flights and a two-night stay at the brand new Hoxton Hotel in Brooklyn. Each tournament heat is set up exactly like a professional golf competition, which means a caddie on every single hole to count each player's score. The pressure is on! Swingers Open will run until 24 September; entry is £20 pp and includes a gin and tonic from partners of the event, Tanqueray No.
TEN.
swingersldn.com/#/tournaments
Get a taste of summer at Carluccio's
Sample some of the best Italian food at London-favourite Carluccio's, which has branches all around the capital. The Covent Garden venue is perfect for shoppers and theatre-goers and offers a truly elegant setting to relax and dine. Standout dishes on the summer menu include chicken saltimboca - a gorgeous escalope with 14-month aged prosciutto - and the mouthwatering sirloin alla griglia served with rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes. Pasta lovers will be drawn to the crab and langoustine tagliolini gemelli alla luganica, made with spicy luganica sausage. Wash your meal down with one of the very summery spritzes, from the classic Aperol to the zingy Sicilian spritz made with limoncello.
carluccios.com
Feel the magic of the West End at 100 Wardour St.
Head down every Wednesday night in July for dinner and a show like you've never seen before. Enjoy an intimate performance which will include enchanting theatre classics from Emma Lindars, alongside a special guest with an impressive theatre resume. Sit back and enjoy the show with dinner from a weekly set menu and add on bottomless wine! Emma Lindars performs between 8 and 10pm.
100wardourst.com/event/west-end-on-wardour-emma-lindars-and-special-guests
Have the best brunch in town at Abuelo
Brunch truly is best! If you're looking for a new spot in London, head to Abuelo cafe in the heart of Covent Garden. The charming spot is the city's first Antipodean-meets-South American coffee house and kitchen. Taking its name from the Spanish word for grandfather and launched by mother and daughter team Lynette and Cloe de la Vega, family really is at the heart of the venue's ethos. Dishes include labneh poached eggs, sweet potato and beetroot fritters and BBQ Croque-Monsieur. And there's always room for cake!
abuelocafe.co.uk
